Our Animal Science programmes are being reviewed. The current NZ2489 Certificate in Animal Management is being revised by Te Pkenga. The new programme is one-year, full-time (120 credits) and includes a minimum of 120 hours of practicum (for companion animals). Graduates of this new qualification will be able to work with, or manage, the care of animals in a facility on a day-to-day basis. Most graduates work in kennels, catteries, animal shelters, day care centres or open their own small business.

 

This programme is the perfect first step into a career working with animals. Highly practical, it will equip you with knowledge and skills for a variety of areas including kennel and cattery management, rescue and animal welfare centres, pet sitting, pet stores, day care centres, pet ownership education and working as an animal technician.

 

You’ll learn about companion animals (e.g. dogs, cats, rabbits, birds), their health and welfare and how to manage and care for them on a day-to-day basis. This will include animal anatomy and physiology, occupational health and safety, low stress handling of animals, animal behaviour and health, animal first aid, record keeping, legislation and housing design. More advanced topics include nutrition, infection control, care during illness/injury, safe use of medications, designing optimum temporary housing spaces, facility emergency planning and biosecurity, behavioural training and enrichment.

 

Work-integrated learning is a significant component of the programme. You’ll have the opportunity to spend some of this time in a work environment that suits the area of animal management you’re most interested in.

 

Due to the practical nature of the programme, you must have a good level of fitness to be able to carry out the physical activities.